Agenda item

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report detailing a Pre-application presentation for the mixed use development comprising multi-storey residential and commercial buildings and public realm at land off Globe Road and Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 1LT.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer informed Members of a pre-application presentation for a mixed use development comprising predominantly commercial  buildings and public realm Land Off Globe Road And Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 1LT.

A site visit took place prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion on this pre-application.

The applicant’s representative addressed the Panel. Issues highlighted in relation to the proposals included the following;

·  An introduction which included details of the emerging proposals for the redevelopment of several land parcels to the north and southern sides of Globe Road and Water Lane in Holbeck (known as the Temple Quarter), the introduction also set out the proposed masterplan, architectural aspirations, the strategic aspirations for the site, demonstrated the relative heights of the buildings and the quality of the public space.

·  Information in respect of the existing site and its surroundings.

·  Details with regard to the sites relevant planning history.

·  Details of consultation that had taken place to date.

·  An explanation as to the proposed use of the site whish was proposed to be a commercially-led development for 1 client covering approximately 500,000 sq ft and 7000 jobs from across the region which would involve predominantly new office accommodation, together with a small element of residential accommodation towards the southern end of the Temple Quarter. There may also be some commercial uses such as bars and restaurants. 

·  They would like the development to be completed by mid 2019.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  The location of the reservoirs referred to in the report at 6.8 and the views of the West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service.

·  The listed buildings (towers) on the adjacent site and the need where possible for those not to be obscured/hidden by the new development, the developer advised Members that he was very mindful of the towers and they were trying to create a space to make them as visible as possible.In discussing this Members were advised that the development would be a strong cluster of buildings that work as a group and would be ‘campus style’. Members also made some comments around the scale and layout of the proposals and location of the taller buildings to which the developer responded. Members felt it would be beneficial to see a model of the site.

·  Members discussed transport impacts in detail, particularly the impact on traffic when the development was complete, the relationship of the road networks with any future initiatives at City Square, the capacity of surrounding roads, the issue of public transport particularly accessibility if proposals are to include narrower roads to allow improved pedestrian access. Members also asked that parking provision be considered as the temporary car parks would be displaced from the existing site when this is developed. Members were advised that an aimsun model would be developed to look at potential traffic impacts across the city including the route from the M62 to Armley Gyratory and to include City Square in addition to surveys at key junctions near the development.

·  Members also referred to the printworks and asked if the style of the existing saw tooth roof could be used as part of the new design in this location.

·  Members also commented that it was paramount that the quality of materials used was high, particularly as the development would front onto the railway and this would make a statement as you entered the City by rail. 

In drawing the discussion to a conclusion Members provided the following feedback;

·  They felt that the proposed commercially-led development was acceptable in principle.

·  They felt that the emerging masterplan for the site was appropriate.

·  They felt that they could support the emerging scale of the development subject to some ‘fly through’ and modelling details.

·  They felt that in principle they could support the intent to reduce the extent of through traffic in the area, to limit parking provision, and to deliver a pedestrian and cycling friendly environment as part of the development, although Members did feel they needed to have site of the information in respect of the transport testing and other traffic management data.

·  They felt that in respect of this development it would be extremely positive if the developers could work with the City to look at apprenticeship opportunities on this long term project.

RESOLVED – To note the details of the pre-application and thanked the developers for their attendance.

During discussion on the above item Councillor Coulson left at 16.30 and Councillor Nash left at 16.45.